school business plans

School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

School Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your school business plan.

We have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their schools.

Sample Private School Business Plan

Below is a school business plan template to help you create each section of your own education business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Southside Academy, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a private school that has been providing quality education to the community’s school children since 2017. Southside Academy teaches elementary, middle school, and high school students in a wide range of subjects including mathematics, science, and history. We aim to provide a welcoming and inviting environment where every student can reach their highest potential.

We promote academic, artistic, and athletic excellence in a close-knit learning environment, with a challenging curriculum that cultivates intellectual curiosity. Furthermore, we offer a low teacher-to-child ratio, where teachers can build close connections with their students as they help them excel. We develop confident, continual learners by establishing behavioral supports and the social culture needed for students to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.

Service Offering

Southside Academy offers a premium private education at an affordable tuition fee. We provide a challenging education where students can explore their true potential and a safe space where they can freely discover and express themselves. Our students range from 1st grade to 12th grade and we teach a wide variety of subjects including:

• Basic Mathematics
• Physical Education

Customer Focus

Southside Academy primarily serves families within a 5-mile radius of the school’s location. The area is home to thousands of middle and upper-class families looking for high-quality education for their children. Before the school was built, the area was underserved and many children had to travel far to attend quality private schools.

Management Team

Southside Academy’s founder is Mike Brown who has been working as a teacher for more than 20 years. Mike has taught at several public schools in the region but saw a great demand for private education. He noticed that the current location of the school was underserved and set out to create a school to serve this population. Mike Brown has successfully led Southside Academy as its principal since the school’s inception and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Mike Brown is supported by a team that has experience teaching students, managing finances, and running businesses. Specifically, our team has solid experience in being effective teachers, connecting to different types of students, and achieving key goals.

Success Factors

Southside Academy is able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Location: Southside Academy’s location is near the center of town, giving members of our community easy access for parents and their children.
• Passionate and Skillful Teachers: Southside Academy hires teachers with strong academic backgrounds who are skillful in handling all types of children.
• Low teacher-to-student ratio: We provide a low teacher-to-student ratio so that every student gets personal attention from teachers to reach their highest potential.
• Affordable, quality education: Most of the schools in the area offer their services at a very expensive price. Our fees will be moderately low so that good education is accessible to all families.

Financial Highlights

Southside Academy is currently seeking additional donations of $600,000 in order to fulfill our mission. The breakdown of the funding may be seen below:

• Salaries: $200,000
• School Materials (books, toys, desks, chairs, etc): $180,000
• Administrative Expenses: $120,000 to pay for lease costs, ongoing operational expenses, and marketing.
• Working capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Southside Academy.

Company Overview

Who is southside academy, southside academy’s history.

Southside Academy started as an idea from a group of school teachers, including Mike Brown. The teachers were university pals who are passionate about teaching and children. They have seen the gaps in education in St. Paul, Minnesota, and wanted to create a school that elevates the academic environment for the children of this area.

Their plans to build a school started in 2015, but it was only until April 2016 that they finally completed all the paperwork and met the legal requirements. Since then, Southside Academy has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a location and built the school
• Developed the school’s name, logo, and website
• Determined curriculum
• Hired teachers and other key employees

Southside Academy’s Services

Industry analysis.

Education is an essential foundation for a thriving society. It’s more important than ever before that every child has access to affordable, high-quality education. While public schools are an essential option for many low-income families, the education provided by private schools often results in higher test scores and more students moving on to top-tier universities.

The private school industry has experienced steady growth in the past five years. The key industry drivers are economic growth, the rise in numbers of K-12 students, an increase in the number of families with both parents working, and government initiatives to support education.

According to Polaris Market Research, this growth is expected to continue with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of 6.6% from now until 2030. This shows that Southside Academy has great potential to keep growing and expanding. We will have ample opportunities to grow our curriculum and offer services to students that help them reach their highest potential.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Southside Academy serves the families and children of St. Paul, Minnesota. The area is mostly populated by young couples and new families that have disposable income and can pay a premium for their children’s education.

The precise demographics of the town in which our location resides are as follows:

Customer Segmentation

We primarily target the following three customer segments:

• Young children
• Young couples

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Southside Academy faces competition from other schools with similar profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.  

Waters Independent School

Founded in 1968, Waters Independent School is a non-profit and tax-exempt independent school system. The school is governed by an independent Board of Trustees and offers preschool through eighth-grade programs. WIS is accredited by the state’s Council of Independent Schools (FCIS).

Waters Independent School has small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios. Further, WIS’ Programs include a strong academic foundation coupled with programs in the arts, physical education, media/technology, foreign language, and extracurricular areas.  

Hill Preparatory School

Founded in 1923, Hill Preparatory School is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory day school. It offers PK-12 programs in a safe, student-centered environment. HPS supports its students through the challenges of the school year with one-on-one attention from dedicated faculty, robust services like The Learning Center and the College Center, and the most advanced educational technology. The campus spans 28 acres and has a new 60,000+ square foot facility.  

Future Leaders Preparatory School

Founded in 1968, Future Leaders Prep is a private school for PreK3-8th grade. FLPS offers preschool, elementary school, and middle school programs and offers the International Baccalaureate program of study for all students. Teachers are endorsed in gifted education through a master’s level grant with [local University]’s College of Education Gifted Program. In addition to the school, Future Leaders offers community programs such as music, dance, art, and theater lessons through the Community School of the Arts, youth sports in the Community School for Sports, and the 7-week summer camp.

Competitive Advantage

There are many schools in St. Paul, Minnesota but none of them provides the same quality of education that Southside Academy provides, specifically the following:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

The Southside Academy brand will focus on the school’s unique value proposition:

• Providing premium education at an affordable price
• Providing a supportive and challenging place for children to learn
• Giving parents the assurance that their children will reach their full potential

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Southside Academy is as follows:

Social Media

Southside Academy will invest heavily in a social media advertising campaign. The school will utilize social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. It will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographics.

Publications

The school will place print advertisements in key local publications, including newspapers, area magazines, and business newsletters. Additionally, Southside Academy will print brochures and place them in specific locations frequented by target individuals.

Website/SEO

Southside Academy will invest heavily in developing a professional website that displays all of the features and benefits of Southside Academy. It will also invest heavily in SEO so that the school’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Direct Mail

Southside Academy will blanket neighborhoods with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on Southside Academy and incentives to enroll.

Southside Academy prices its tuition at a moderate price so our students and their families feel they are getting great value when choosing our school.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Southside Academy.

Operation Functions:

• Mike Brown is the school Principal. He manages the teachers, directs the direction of education, and serves as the head of the school.
• Mike is joined by Amanda Johnson who acts as the Administrative Assistant for the school. She helps Mike with the operations of the school as well as the marketing and administrative functions.
• Mike has hired an extensive team of highly qualified educators. Together, they teach dozens of subjects, including biology, chemistry, social studies, and mathematics. Every teacher that works for Southside Academy is passionate about education and pushing their students to reach their highest potential.

Milestones:

Southside Academy expects to achieve the following milestones in the following six months:

• 3/202X Kickoff of promotional campaign to attract new students
• 4/202X Start donation campaign
• 5/202X Hire new teachers for the upcoming year
• 6/202X Achieve donation/funding goal
• 7/202X Finalize list of incoming students for next year
• 8/202X Start next school year

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Southside Academy’s revenues come from student tuition fees and donations from both individuals and corporations.

The major costs for the company will be staffing, marketing expenses, location maintenance, equipment, and materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Southside Academy is currently seeking additional fundraising and capital of $600,000 in order to fulfill our mission. The breakdown of the funding may be seen below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and to pay off the startup business loan.

• Year 1: 200
• Year 2: 300
• Year 3: 400
• Year 4: 500
• Year 5: 600
• Tuition rate per year: $10,000

Financial Statements

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

School Business Plan FAQs

What is a school business plan.

A school business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your school business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your School business plan using our School Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of School Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of school businesses, some examples include: private K-12 school, charter school, virtual schools, independent schools, primary school, secondary education, or preschool.

How Do You Get Funding for Your School Business Plan?

School businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a School Business?

Starting a school business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A School Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed school business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your school business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your school business is in compliance with local laws.

3, Register Your School Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your school business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your school business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary School Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your school business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your school business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful school business:

• How to Start a School

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

Nonprofit Business Plan Template

School Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

School Business Plan

If you want to start a school or expand your current school, you need a business plan.

The following school business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning business plan. In addition to this template, a well-crafted plan will include market research to help you better understand the school industry, market trends, your competitive advantage and your target market. It will also help you craft a smart marketing strategy and a strong financial plan.

You can download our business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Below are links to each of the key components of an education business plan to help you launch a successful school. This can be used for a variety of school business plans, including a private school business plan, a charter school, public schools, independent schools, virtual schools, primary or secondary education.

• Executive Summary – The executive summary provides an overview of your business opportunity and summarizes the business plan.
• Company Overview – The company overview includes information about your business concept, academic and extracurricular activities offered, and legal structure.
• Industry Analysis – The industry analysis includes market research that supports your business and provides insights into market trends and the education industry.
• Customer Analysis – The customer analysis provides an overview of your target customers.
• Competitive Analysis – The competitive analysis should identify your direct and indirect competitors and highlight your competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – The marketing plan includes your marketing strategy, pricing strategy, examples of marketing materials, and search engine optimization plan.
• Operations Plan – The operations plan includes information on your school’s day-to-day operations and processes.
• Management Team – The management team section includes a profile of the organizational structure, school leaders, their experience and responsibilities.
• Financial Plan – The financial plan includes financial projections, a cash flow statement, profit and loss statement and balance sheet.

Download our business plan template (including a full financial projections model and financial statements).

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School Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

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Whether it’s an online, private, or public school, similar to running a nonprofit you’ll need a business plan to be successful. Check out our library of sample plans to ensure your new or revamped school not only educates but finds long-term success.

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Business Plan Template for Schools

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Creating a solid business plan is essential for schools looking to make a positive impact on education. With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Schools, you can streamline the process of outlining your objectives, strategies, and financial projections.

This template empowers school administrators and educational institutions to:

• Secure funding and attract stakeholders with a clear and compelling plan
• Effectively manage resources and budgets to ensure sustainable growth
• Set measurable goals and track progress towards academic excellence

Whether you're a small private school or a large educational institution, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Schools will help you pave the way for success. Get started today and transform your vision into a reality!

Business Plan Template for Schools Benefits

A business plan template for schools offers numerous benefits for administrators and educational institutions, including:

• Clear and concise communication of the school's mission, goals, and strategies to potential investors, stakeholders, and partners
• A roadmap for financial planning and budgeting, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently
• A comprehensive analysis of the market and competition, enabling schools to identify unique selling points and develop strategies for growth
• A framework for evaluating and measuring the school's performance and progress towards its objectives
• A tool for attracting funding and support from investors, donors, and government agencies

Main Elements of Schools Business Plan Template

ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Schools is the perfect tool for school administrators and educational institutions to effectively manage and grow their school. Here are the main elements of this template:

• Custom Statuses: Keep track of the progress of your business plan with four different statuses: Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• Custom Fields: Utilize three custom fields, including Reference, Approved, and Section, to add specific information and categorize different sections of your business plan.
• Custom Views: Access five different views to visualize your business plan from various perspectives, such as the Topics view to focus on specific topics, the Status view to track the progress of each section, the Timeline view to set deadlines and milestones, the Business Plan view to see the overall structure, and the Getting Started Guide view to help you navigate the template.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Schools, you can streamline the process of creating, managing, and presenting your school's business plan.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Schools

If you're a school administrator or educator looking to create a comprehensive business plan for your institution, follow these steps to make the process easier:

1. Define your vision and mission

Before you start writing your business plan, it's important to establish a clear vision and mission for your school. What are your long-term goals and aspirations? What do you hope to achieve? This will serve as the foundation for your entire plan.

Use a Doc in ClickUp to outline and articulate your school's vision and mission statements.

2. Assess your current situation

Take a close look at your school's current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Evaluate your academic programs, facilities, student enrollment, financial resources, and any other relevant factors. This analysis will help you identify areas for improvement and determine the direction your school should take.

Create tasks in ClickUp to conduct a SWOT analysis and document your findings.

3. Set goals and objectives

Based on your vision, mission, and SWOT analysis, establish clear and measurable goals for your school. These goals should be aligned with your overall vision and address any weaknesses or opportunities you identified. Additionally, set specific objectives that outline the steps you need to take to achieve those goals.

Use Goals in ClickUp to set and track your school's objectives and key results (OKRs).

4. Develop strategies and action plans

Once you have your goals and objectives in place, it's time to develop strategies and action plans to achieve them. Determine the specific actions you need to take, the resources required, and the timeline for implementation. Consider areas such as curriculum development, staff training, marketing and enrollment, financial management, and infrastructure improvements.

Use tasks and subtasks in ClickUp to break down each action plan into manageable steps and assign responsibilities to team members.

By following these steps and utilizing the Business Plan Template in ClickUp, you can create a comprehensive and effective plan for your school's success. Remember to regularly review and update your plan as needed to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your school's evolving needs.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Schools

School administrators and educational institutions can use the ClickUp Business Plan Template for Schools to effectively outline their objectives, strategies, and financial projections.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize different sections and topics of your business plan
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses such as Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do
• The Timeline View will allow you to visually plan and schedule the tasks and milestones of your business plan
• The Business Plan View provides a holistic overview of your entire plan, allowing you to see the big picture
• The Getting Started Guide View offers step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to use the template effectively
• Utilize the custom fields, such as Reference, Approved, and Section, to add additional information and categorize your business plan
• Update statuses and custom fields as you work through each section to keep stakeholders informed of progress
• Monitor and analyze your business plan to ensure it aligns with your school's goals and objectives
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Ultimate School Business Plan Template: Plan for Success

Craft your school business plan with a comprehensive template that sets a strong foundation for success. Ensure your educational venture thrives with strategic planning and clear objectives.

Creating a successful school business plan is a critical step in establishing a flourishing educational institution. It serves as a roadmap guiding your school towards its goals, helping to secure funding, attract key staff, and set student achievement targets. A well-crafted business plan outlines the vision, mission, and the actionable steps you need to take to address the challenges of the evolving educational landscape.

It’s vital to articulate your unique value proposition, analyze your intended market, and lay out a realistic financial forecast. With precise planning and attention to detail, your school’s business plan can inspire confidence among stakeholders and serve as a beacon for your educational aspirations. By capably anticipating future needs and demonstrating a deep understanding of your school’s potential, your business plan becomes an indispensable tool in your school’s journey towards excellence.

The Essentials Of A School Business Plan

Starting an educational institution requires a solid foundation, and that foundation is your school business plan . Like a blueprint guiding a builder, this plan lights the path for a school’s success. From defining goals to allocating resources, every aspect needs careful consideration. Here’s what you need to know about crafting a robust business plan for your school.

Core Components

An effective school business plan includes several core elements:

• Executive Summary: An overview of your school’s aim, model, and unique offerings.
• Market Analysis : Insight into the educational landscape, potential competition, and target audience.
• Organizational Structure: Outlines management, staffing, and operational logistics.
• Services or Programs: Detailed curriculum and extracurricular activities offered.
• Marketing Plan: Strategies to attract students and build your school’s reputation.
• Financial Projection : Expected income, costs, and forecasts for sustainability and growth.

Importance Of A Clear Mission Statement

Your school’s mission statement is its heartbeat. It clarifies your school’s purpose and guides decisions. A powerful mission statement is clear, concise, and reflects your school’s core values. It unifies your team and resonates with families, giving your school a distinct identity.

Market Analysis And Positioning

A sound business plan for a school is incomplete without a detailed market analysis and strategic positioning. This crucial section sheds light on the environment your school will operate in. Understanding your target market and the competitive landscape are steps that cannot be overlooked. A deep dive into these areas will guide your school’s approach to capturing market share and securing a unique place in the educational landscape.

Identifying Your Target Market

Knowing who your school is designed to serve is the first step to success. Consider the following to accurately define your audience:

• Demographics: Age range, socioeconomic status, location
• Educational needs: Special programs, curricular focus
• Parental preferences: School values, extracurricular activities

Use surveys, community data, and trend analysis to gather information . This data forms the backbone of your marketing strategy.

Competitive Landscape Evaluation

Understanding the competition is as important as knowing your students. Address these aspects to assess your competition:

Add more rows as needed based on the competitive analysis

A thorough analysis helps identify gaps in the market and areas for potential growth . Your school can carve a niche by addressing these opportunities.

Curriculum Design And Educational Programs

Crafting a curriculum is like drawing a map for a journey to knowledge. It outlines every step of the learning path. Schools must create programs that engage students, meet standards, and foster skills for the future. A business plan for a school is incomplete without a well-planned curriculum.

Developing Your Educational Model

The heart of a school lies in its educational model . This model guides the teaching and learning processes. It must reflect the school’s values and objectives. Elements include teaching styles, assessment methods, and learning outcomes.

Your model should address various learning styles , ensuring no student falls behind. Consider these aspects:

• Project-based learning
• Technology integration
• Collaborative activities
• Individual assessments

Flexibility is crucial in adapting to educational trends and student needs.

Consider the skills that employers seek. Are students ready for tomorrow’s challenges?

Specialty Programs And Niche Education

Specialty programs set a school apart. They draw interest and add value to the education provided. Focus on niches that cater to specific interests or industries.

Understand the community when selecting specialty programs. Are there local industries that could benefit from specific skills?

Partner with businesses and universities for real-world experiences. This adds great value to educational programs.

Operational Strategies And Management Structure

A well-constructed school business plan relies on robust Operational Strategies and Management Structure . This section is the blueprint for day-to-day operations, shaping how the school functions. It ensures the institution runs smoothly, addresses student needs effectively, and meets educational standards.

Defining Organizational Roles

Clearly defined roles are the backbone of any thriving educational institution. They streamline responsibilities, enhance accountability, and foster a strong chain of command. Below is a brief look at key positions in a school’s organizational structure.

Building An Effective Team

Crafting a team with a shared vision for success is paramount. An effective team works towards common goals, supports each other, and places student achievement at the forefront.

• Hire qualified staff with a passion for education.
• Encourage ongoing training to keep skills sharp.
• Promote teamwork through regular meetings and team-building activities.
• Set clear expectations and provide constructive feedback.
• Recognize achievements to maintain high morale and motivation.

Financial Planning And Projections

Embarking on the journey of establishing a school requires meticulous financial planning. Crafting a detailed business plan sets the foundation for a prosperous educational institution. The ‘Financial Planning and Projections’ section is a pivotal element. It outlines the fiscal roadmap and serves as an assurance to stakeholders and investors. It demonstrates the feasibility and the financial foresight of your educational venture.

Start-up Costs And Budgeting

Deploying a transparent framework for start-up costs and budgeting is essential. This planning ensures that no expense goes unnoticed. An exhaustive list of initial costs sets the tone for budget allocations . Essential aspects to include:

• Facility purchase or lease
• Renovation and equipment
• Curriculum development
• Licensing and legal fees
• Marketing and promotion
• Staff recruitment and training

Establish realistic budget plans by itemizing and projecting these costs in a clearly formatted table . This step helps in managing funds efficiently from the outset.

Revenue Streams And Tuition Modelling

Pinpointing how your school will generate income is a cornerstone of your business plan. Traditionally, tuition fees are the main revenue stream for most schools. Layering multiple revenue streams provides financial stability. Incorporate strategies such as:

• Annual tuition rates
• Enrollment fees
• Fundraising events
• Grants and scholarships

Develop dynamic tuition models that offer flexibility while maintaining revenue goals. These models should reflect the cost of delivering top-notch education balanced with market demands. Factor in discounts, payment plans, and financial aid options to ensure inclusivity.

By carefully projecting and planning the financial aspects, your school business plan will reflect a well-thought-out strategy promising a successful path forward.

Marketing Plan For School Enrollment

The school’s future begins with a solid marketing plan for enrollment. Crafting the right strategy attracts students and builds the educational community. Let’s explore key methods for promoting your school and drawing in new learners.

Building Brand Awareness

A school’s brand reflects its values, mission, and the quality of education it provides. Build recognition and trust with a consistent and compelling message.

• Launch a user-friendly website with engaging content about the school ethos.
• Utilize social media to showcase school events, achievements, and testimonials.
• Organize school tours and open houses for families to experience the environment.
• Engage with local businesses and the community to build partnerships.
• Feature in the local media through news stories, interviews, and expert articles.

Strategies For Student Recruitment

Effective recruitment strategies help schools connect with potential students and their families.

Combine personal touch with digital outreach to maximize student recruitment.

Risk Assessment And Mitigation

No school business plan is complete without evaluating risks. Risk Assessment and Mitigation are crucial for preparing for the unexpected. This section highlights how to recognize potential issues and action plans to tackle them efficiently. A well-crafted risk strategy ensures your school can navigate challenges and succeed long-term.

Understanding Potential Pitfalls

Identifying risks is the first step to protection. Below are common challenges a school might face:

• Natural disasters: Weather events can disrupt operations.
• Financial uncertainties: Changes in funding can affect budgeting.
• Legal changes: New regulations may require quick adaptation.
• Technology failures: Systems can experience downtime.
• Safety concerns: Incidents can occur on campus.

By understanding these, schools can create specific strategies to address each risk.

Developing A Crisis Management Plan

Create a reactive strategy when challenges strike. Essential components include:

A plan that covers these areas can reduce impact and aid a swifter recovery.

Measuring Success And Implementing Feedback

Measuring Success and Implementing Feedback is a key chapter in your school’s business plan. A school must track its progress and understand what works. It also needs to know ways to get better. These are like a report card but for your school plan. They show where the school shines and needs polish. Here is how to set goals and check them, with ways to fix any issues.

Key Performance Indicators

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) help schools see their wins and challenges. Choosing the right KPIs makes sure schools focus on what matters. They can be about student scores, teacher happiness, or how many new students join. Well-picked KPIs provide a clear picture of where the school is heading. Look at these every term and compare them to your goals.

• Enrollment Rates: How many new students are joining?
• Graduation Rates: How many students finish their studies?
• Student Performance: Do students do well in tests and projects?
• Faculty Retention: Do teachers stay year after year?
• Parent Satisfaction: Are parents happy with the school?

Continuous Improvement Cycle

The Continuous Improvement Cycle is a loop that never ends. It tells schools to:

• Make a plan.
• Carry out the plan.
• Check how it went.
• Act on what you learn.

This circle helps schools get better all the time. It needs feedback from students, teachers, and parents. Schools use this feedback to fix problems and try new things. Here’s a simple table that shows the cycle:

Keeping the cycle going means your school keeps learning. It stays ready for new changes. It makes the school a great place for everyone.

Long-term Vision And Expanding Your School

Crafting the ultimate school business plan demands a clear long-term vision. It is not just about starting strong but also about ensuring that your school can grow and scale effectively over the years. Let’s explore how you can set your school on a path of sustainable expansion and achieve lasting success.

Future Growth Opportunities

Identifying potential avenues for growth is essential to your school’s long-term health. Imagine where your school might be in five, ten, or even twenty years.

• Assess community needs for education.
• Analyse trends in learning and technology.
• Expand course offerings to stay relevant .
• Explore additional campus locations .

These steps create a dynamic blueprint for growth that can adapt with time.

Sustainability And Scaling Up

A sustainable school business plan balances quality and scalability . Your strategic initiatives should foster a robust educational environment while allowing for measured growth.

With sustainable practices, your school can thrive in the long run and scale up responsibly.

Legal Considerations And Compliance

Starting a school is a bold step towards shaping young minds. It’s critical to understand the legal side . This will keep your school within laws. Every country has laws for education. A good business plan knows these laws well.

Education Laws And Accreditation

Your school must meet education standards . These vary by place. To operate legally , knowing and following these laws is a must. Accreditation shows quality. This attracts parents and students.

• Research local education laws.
• Find the right accreditation bodies.
• Prepare documents for approval.

Health And Safety Regulations

Students’ well-being is priority. Health and safety rules keep them safe . Your school needs clear safety plans. Regular training and drills are part of this.

• Check health and safety laws.
• Write a practical safety policy.
• Train staff on first aid and emergency responses.

Technology Integration In The Education Business

The landscape of education constantly evolves with technology . Schools need to embrace these changes to stay ahead. A comprehensive school business plan should reflect this. Integrating cutting-edge technology prepares students for the future. Educational institutions must leverage digital tools. They should also adapt to emerging trends in educational technology (EdTech). This is vital for their long-term success.

Leveraging Digital Tools

Embracing digital tools transforms the learning experience. It creates interactive and personalized classrooms. Here’s how to leverage them in your school:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) organize courses and track progress.
• Interactive whiteboards make lessons engaging.
• Digital libraries offer vast resources at one click.
• Communication platforms connect teachers, students, and parents.

Adapting To Emerging Edtech Trends

EdTech is fast-paced, making adaptation key. Schools must be alert to new trends:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for personalized learning paths.
• Virtual Reality (VR) for immersive educational experiences.
• Gamification boosts engagement and learning retention.
• Coding and Robotics prepare students for future careers.

Tips For Crafting A Persuasive Executive Summary

Creating a standout executive summary for your school business plan can grab attention immediately. Think of it like the trailer to a blockbuster movie. It needs to excite and captivate. The executive summary should shine a spotlight on your business’s strengths and spark investor interest. Let’s explore how to make every word count.

Key Elements To Include

To ensure your executive summary is impactful, focus on these critical components:

• Mission Statement: Clearly define your school’s purpose and guiding principles.
• Business Objectives: Lay out specific, measurable goals that will gauge success.
• Unique Value Proposition: Highlight what sets your school apart from the competition.
• Leadership and Management Team: Showcase the experience and skills your team brings to the table.
• Market Analysis: Summarize key findings that affirm the demand for your school.
• Operational Strategy: Outline how your school will run efficiently and effectively.
• Financial Projections: Provide a snapshot of projected revenues, expenses, and profits.

Tailoring Your Message To Investors

Investors seek clarity and value. Remember these tips to align your summary with their expectations:

• Know your audience. Speak directly to what they value most in an educational investment.
• Be concise. Deliver compelling information without unnecessary details.
• Use confident language. Show investors your strong belief in the school’s future success.
• Visual data. Incorporate easy-to-understand charts to demonstrate growth potential.
• Call to action. End with a clear invitation for investors to engage further with your plan.

Your executive summary is not just the first section of your business plan; it’s the part that makes the first and lasting impression. Nail it with precision and passion to pave the way for your school’s success story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write an ultimate business plan.

To write an ultimate business plan, start with an executive summary, detail your company description, conduct a market analysis, outline organization and management, describe your products/services, develop a sales and marketing strategy, and present financial projections and funding requests.

What Are The 6 Components Of Successful Business Plan?

The six key components of a successful business plan are: executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management structure, sales strategies, and financial projections.

How Do You Write A Business Plan For A School Project?

Begin with a clear executive summary outlining objectives and mission. Detail the school’s structure, educational programs, and target market. Include a marketing plan and financial projections. Finish with an overview of the management team and operational plan. Keep language concise and jargon-free for readability.

What Are The 7 Things In A Business Plan?

A business plan typically includes these seven components: executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management, service or product line, marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections.

Crafting a robust business plan is the foundation of a successful school venture. Our ultimate template guides you through every crucial step. Stay ahead in the educational sector by implementing this strategic blueprint. Embrace the journey to success with confidence – your comprehensive school business plan awaits.

Start planning, start succeeding!

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Home » Sample Business Plans » Education » School

How to Write a Charter School Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a charter school? If YES, here is a complete sample charter school business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . A charter school is an independently operated public school that has greater flexibility in its mode of operation, in return for greater accountability for performance.

A charter school system is a local school district that operates under the terms of a charter between the State Board of Education and the local school district. The system receives flexibility from certain state rules and regulations in exchange for greater accountability with greater emphasis on school-based leadership and decision-making.

The basic difference between charter schools and other public schools is that charter schools are classified as public schools of choice. Furthermore, it is the practice for charter schools to be held accountable for academic results and for upholding the promises they made in their charters.

As a matter of fact, they are required to demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement, financial management, and organizational stability. This is so because if a charter school fails to meet the set performance goals, the school is likely going to be closed down.

A Sample Charter School Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Charter schools offer primary- and secondary-level education funded by public sources, but are afforded more flexibility in curriculum design and implementation than traditional public schools. Charter schools receive the vast majority of their funding from federal, state and local governments, so revenue can fluctuate significantly based on budgetary decisions.

However, many charter schools are funded on a per-pupil basis, allowing schools to increase enrollment without having to worry about financial support. Recent reports released by IBISWORLD shows that over the past five years, the Charter Schools industry has grown by 9.8 percent to reach revenue of $41bn in 2018. In the same timeframe, the number of businesses has grown by 5.6 percent and the number of employees has grown by 8.8 percent.

As a result of explosive growth in charter school interest and enrollment, industry revenue is anticipated to grow at an annualized rate of 9.8 percent over the five years to 2018 to reach $40.8 billion, including a 9.2 percent increase in 2018 alone.

In the united states of America, the Charter Schools industry is indeed a large and thriving industry. Statistics has it that the industry is worth $41 billion, with an estimated growth rate of 9.8 percent annually between 2013 and 2018.

There are about 7,975 registered and licensed (accredited) charter schools scattered all around the United States of America and they are responsible for employing about 427,934 people. Aside from Los Angeles Unified School District which has the largest enrollments, no other charter school can boast of dominating the market; every player in the industry can comfortably compete in the industry.

It is important to state that the barriers to entry into the Charter Schools industry are high. As a matter of fact, the industry is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves. So also, the reputation of the school is of utmost importance, as charter schools that have a good history of getting students into prestigious colleges often have the best reputations hence good enrollments.

Reputation indeed is imperative to parents’ decisions when shopping for charter school for their wards. This is so because the quality of education cannot be assessed until after it is complete. As a major marketing tool, schools need to show parents a track record of admission to elite colleges and universities.

Even though this might seem like a highly competitive industry, the industry is still pretty much open for aspiring school proprietors to still come in and compete. As a matter of fact, if you conduct your research and feasibility studies very well before starting your own charter school, coupled with impressive profile of your faculty members, you are likely going to struggle less to make headway in the industry.

2. Executive Summary

Saint Paul® Community Charter School is a standard co – education charter school that will be located in a well – populated residential estate in Saint Paul – Minnesota, United States of America. We are a standard charter school that is composed of primary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and secondary (seventh through 12th grade) educational institution that will be predominantly co – funded by government and through tuition fees and levies from students and of course from other private sources.

Saint Paul® Community Charter School is a client-focused and result driven charter school that provides broad-based learning approaches and experience at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients (students and parents alike).

We will offer professional teaching services in a highly secured and conducive learning environment to all our students that is primary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and secondary (seventh through 12th grade). We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass all our students’ expectations and educational goals whenever they enroll in our charter school.

At Saint Paul® Community Charter School, our students’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional educationist cum teachers in various subjects who are well experienced and passionate in imparting knowledge to students at various learning ladder.

Saint Paul® Community Charter School will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as an educational organization, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our students’ needs precisely and completely.

We have plans in future to also offer learning platforms to people with both learning disability and physical disability (especially the blind, the dumb and the deaf). Our overall business goal is to position our charter school to become the leading special public school brand in the educational industry in the whole of Saint Paul – Minnesota, and also to be amongst the top 10 charter schools in the whole of the United States of America within the first 20 years of operation.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Saint Paul is the right place to launch our charter school.

Saint Paul® Community Charter School is founded by Dr. (Mrs.) Becky Steve – Carson. She is an educationist per excellence and she has won many award in the education sector in the United States. Dr. (Mrs.) Becky Steve – Carson has both academic qualifications and experience to run a charter school that can favorably compete with other leading charter schools.

3. Our Products and Services

Saint Paul® Community Charter School is going to offer varieties of educational services within the United States of America. Our intention of starting our charter school is to soundly educate people in various subjects and of course to make profits from the education industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal.

Our service offerings are listed below;

• Teaching basic literacy and numeracy
• Establishing foundations in science, mathematics, geography, history and other social sciences
• Constantly working hard to meet regulatory accreditation standards
• Administering public – private funding efforts
• Providing access to extracurricular activities
• Retailing of Educational Books and Materials

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a highly competitive charter school that will become the number one choice for both parents and students in the whole of Saint Paul – Minnesota.
• Our mission is to provide professional and conducive learning environment to students at different levels of learning.
• Our overall business goal is to position Saint Paul® Community Charter School to become the leading charter school in the educational cum charter school industry in the whole of Saint Paul – Minnesota, and also to be amongst the top 10 charter schools in the United States of America within the first 20 years of operation.

Our Business Structure

It is a known fact that the success of any business is to a larger extent is dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available roles in the organization. Saint Paul® Community Charter School will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our charter school. We will ensure that we hire competent hands to help us build the charter school of our dream.

The fact that we want to become one of the leading charter schools in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset. Below is the business structure that we will build Saint Paul® Community Charter School;

• Head of The Charter school (School Proprietress)

School Administrator

Tutors for Various Subjects – Secondary (seventh through 12th grade)

Tutors for Various Subjects – Primary (kindergarten through sixth grade)

• Accountant / Bursar
• Client Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Head of the Charter school/School Coordinator:

• Responsible for providing direction for the college
• Responsible for fixing fees and signing business deals (partnership)
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the charter school
• Coordinates all arms of the charter school
• Evaluates the success of the charter school
• Reports to the board of the charter school
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the charter school
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for tutors (teachers)
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of the charter school.
• Effectively teach subject/subjects as assigned by the school administrator
• Accesses the progress of students under their care
• Ensures that students abide by the rules and regulations of the charter school
• Contributes his / her quota towards growing the charter school
• Receives complaints from parents and channel it to the appropriate quarters
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.
• Effectively teaches subject / subjects as assigned by the school administrator
• Teaches basic literacy and numeracy
• Establishes foundations in science, mathematics, geography, history and other social sciences
• Ensures that students abide by the rules and regulations of the school administrator
• Contributes his/her quota towards growing the charter school

Marketing Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new students, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase growth for the school

School Bursar (Accountant)

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Saint Paul® Community Charter School
• Serves as internal auditor for Saint Paul® Community Charter School

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes/receive parents and students by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with parents and students (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the parents and students with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with parents and students on the phone, uses every opportunity to build parent’s interest in the schools’ products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to parents and students when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for Saint Paul® Community Charter School
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the School Administrator.
• Responsible for cleaning the school facility at all times
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator
• Ensures that the school facility is secured at all times
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Patrols the building on a 24 hours’ basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.

6. SWOT Analysis

Saint Paul® Community Charter School engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring with bias in the education sector to assist us in building a well – structured charter school that can favorably compete in the highly competitive education industry in the United States.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Saint Paul® Community Charter School. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Saint Paul® Community Charter School;

As a charter school, our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team with excellent qualifications and experience in the educational sector. We are well positioned in a community with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of students from the first day we open our doors and welcome students for enrollment.

As a new charter school in Saint Paul – Minnesota, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance via reputation in the already saturated education cum charter schools industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the education cum charter schools industry is massive considering the number of parents who would want their wards to perform excellently in their education and go ahead to be admitted in Ivy league colleges. As a standard charter school, Saint Paul® Community Charter School is ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes her way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a charter school operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect charter schools, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operation and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the charter school line of business is that the keys to attracting students is the educational performance and the pass rate of their students in national exams. Any charter school that has good records will always thrive. The demand for charter schools are driven by the fact that most public cum government owned schools cannot accommodate every students or potential students in a given geographical location.

In some cases, students with special needs cannot cope in public schools hence the need for charter schools. Private schooling offers an alternative for households with higher income, as these institutions often come with a high price tag.

Rising household income levels increase enrollment in private schools, potentially hampering enrollment in charter schools. In 2018, the number of households earning more than $100,000 is expected to increase, representing a potential threat to the industry.

Charter schools are overwhelmingly located in urban areas. Over one-half of all charter school students reside in urban environments, compared with less than one-third of students at traditional public schools. Growth in the percentage of the overall population living in urban areas increase demand for charter schools. The US urban population is expected to increase in 2018, representing a potential opportunity for the industry.

The economic downturn hasn’t really affected this industry, especially in countries that believe in the efficacy of education. The areas you would need to spend heavily on is in ensuring that your school is up to standard, your advertisements, and on insurance policy cover.

Lastly, it is trendier to find charter schools engaging in extra – curricular activities and as a matter of fact, a charter school that thrives in sports can leverage on that to attract students who are sports inclined.

8. Our Target Market

As a standard charter school, Saint Paul® Community Charter School is going to offer varieties of educational services. Our intention of starting our charter school is to soundly educate people in various subjects and of course to make profits from the industry

Our target market as a charter school cuts across people of different class and cultural background whether African, White, Caucasian, Latinos, Indians, and Asians. We will work with the students at different learning stages residing in and around Saint Paul – Minnesota.

Our competitive advantage

Indeed, the charter schools industry is highly competitive and the entry barriers are high. As a matter of fact, it is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves. So also, the reputation of the charter school is of utmost importance, as charter schools that have a good history of getting students into prestigious colleges often have the best reputations hence good enrollments.

With this, it is obvious that a new entrant in to the charter school industry cannot offer this. Reputation indeed is imperative to parents’ decisions when shopping for charter schools for their wards because the quality of education cannot be assessed until after it is complete. As a major marketing tool, schools need to show parents a track record of admission to elite colleges and universities.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the education cum charter schools industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of both students and parents alike.

Saint Paul® Community Charter School might be a new entrant into the education cum charter schools industry in the United States of America, but the management staff of the charter school are licensed and highly qualified educationists/teachers at various levels of learning in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Saint Paul® Community Charter School is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the education cum charter schools industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract students on a regular basis.

Saint Paul® Community Charter School will generate income by offering the following tutorial services;

• Teaching High school students various subjects in our charter school
• Administering private funding efforts

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be parents and students who would need the services of charter schools, and as such the services of charter schools will always be needed.

We are positioned to take on the available market in Saint Paul – Minnesota and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income/profits from the first six months of operation and grow the charter school and our student base.

We have been able to examine the charter school market in the United States of America, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. Below is the sales projection for Saint Paul® Community Charter School, it is based on the location of our tutorial center and of course the wide range of educational cum learning services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year: $750,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown within the period stated above. Also, there won’t be any major competitor offering same services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiff competitions amongst charter schools in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing concerns.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to meet their targets and the overall goal of the charter school. We will also ensure that our students’ excellent results from national exams and other exams speak for us in the market place.

Our goal is to grow our charter school to become one of the top 10 charter schools in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Saint Paul – Minnesota but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Saint Paul® Community Charter School is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our charter school by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to schools, parents/households and key stake holders in Saint Paul – Minnesota.
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in schools, libraries and even student organizations.
• Creating a website allows parents to be able to look you up, and also allows you to post general study tips, giving you an added advantage.
• Use friends and family to spread word about your charter school
• Introduce Saint Paul® Community Charter School to learning specialists, school coaches, school administrators, teachers, guidance counselors especially as they are with students everyday
• Post information about Saint Paul® Community Charter School on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Place a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about Saint Paul® Community Charter School
• Use tutorial referral networks such as agencies that will help match students with Saint Paul® Community Charter School
• Join relevant association or body that will enable you network and meet others in same industry.
• Advertise online by using an advertising platform such as Google AdWords, that will allow us place text advertisements alongside on websites with related contents, and along results from search engines.
• Advertise our charter school in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations.
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are aware of the potency of a good publicity strategy hence we have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both parents and students in the whole of Saint Paul – Minnesota which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our charter school. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Saint Paul® Community Charter School;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and educational magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our billboards in strategic locations all around Saint Paul – Minnesota.
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around Saint Paul – Minnesota
• Passing general information via our school’s social media handles like twitter, Facebook, Google hangouts etc.
• Ensure that all our teaching and non – teaching staff wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Charter schools in the United States of America charge students per term/per session and students have the options of either paying their tuitions before resumption or during the school session. Charter schools generally charge students based on loads of factors such as service offerings and extra – curricular activities et al.

At Saint Paul® Community Charter School, we will keep our fees below the average market rate. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our students at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some students that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such students’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Bob Russel & Co® Motivational Speaking Company, LLP is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Bob Russel & Co® Motivational Speaking Company, LLP will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via check

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for services rendered without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up a charter school business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by acquiring a large facility, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you need to ensure that your employees are taken care of, and that your charter school’s environment is conducive enough for the students to learn.

The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. However, this is what it would cost us to start Saint Paul® Community Charter School in the United of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring a large facility that will accommodate the number of clases, playing field, staff offices and parking lots et al (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $350,000.
• Equipping the classes and office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $50,000
• Launching an official website will cost – $500
• The budget for the payment of salaries for the first three months of operations: $120,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Running cost, Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $45,000

Going by the market survey and feasibility studies conducted, we came to the conclusion that we will need an average of $750,000 to start a small scale but standard charter school in the United States of America.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Saint Paul® Community Charter School

Saint Paul® Community Charter School will be owned and managed by Dr. (Mrs.) Becky Steve – Carson. She decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the charter school to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from government, friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $250,000 ( Personal savings $200,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of securing $200,000 education grant from the Government an also obtaining a loan facility of $300,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

It is a known fact that the future of any business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and of course business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop.

One of our major goals of starting Saint Paul® Community Charter School is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to ensure that we offer nothing less than the best to all our students so much so that they can favorably compete and gain admission into Ivy League colleges.

Saint Paul® Community Charter School will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Securing a standard facility large enough to accommodate our design: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the startup capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Schools’ Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the school: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the charter school in Saint Paul – Minnesota: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the education industry: In Progress

More on School

How to Start a School

Starting Your Own School

Anyone can start a school. All you need is an idea and the drive to make it happen. But there are a few things you need to know before you get started. In this article, we will outline the steps you need to take, the permits and licenses you need, and how to find funding.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a school is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps to Starting a School

Choose the name for your school.

The first step to starting a new school is to choose your school’s business name.

This is a very important choice since your business name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your school:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your school.

Develop Your School Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a school is to develop your business plan. The purpose of a business plan is to ensure that you fully understand your market and your strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your school.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your school.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your school and what type of school you operate. For example, are you a private school, religious school, charter school, boarding school, Montessori school, or a type of trade school such as a cosmetology school or welding school? You should also include information about the grade levels of your students.
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the education industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target students are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when paying for educational services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage ({i.e., small class size, new facilities, low tuition fees, unique mission or curriculum, etc.)
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your school be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract students to your school? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing and faculty needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Administrative Team – this section details the background and key qualifications of your school’s administrative team, key staff members and faculty members and their job descriptions.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your school make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your school?

Choose the Legal Structure for Your School

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your school and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your school.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the school and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a school together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business.

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a school include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a school is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Secure startup funding for your school (if needed).

In developing your business plan, you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your new school.

Secure a Location for Your School

Having the right space can be important for your school, particularly if you’d like to meet clients there.

To find the right physical space, consider:

• Driving around to find the right areas while looking for “for lease” signs
• Contacting a commercial real estate agent
• Doing commercial real estate searches online
• Telling others about your needs and seeing if someone in your network has a connection that can help you find the right space

Incorporate Your Business at the Guaranteed Lowest Price

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Not only does BusinessRocket have a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot (with over 1,000 reviews) because of their amazing quality…but they also guarantee the most affordable incorporation packages and the fastest processing time in the industry.

Register Your School with the IRS

Next, you need to register your school with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your school’s name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your school’s needs and establish a relationship with them

Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your school to help you separate personal and school-related expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your school. This includes the name of your school, the address of your school, and the type of school you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

Every state, county and city has different business license and permit requirements.

Nearly all states, counties and/or cities have license requirements including:

• General Business License : getting your Articles of Incorporation as discussed above
• Sales Tax License or Tax-Exempt Status : for selling products and/or taxable services or to establish if you are a nonprofit organization
• Zoning Approval : typically at the city or county level, this provides authorization for construction or use of a school building or land for a particular purpose
• Food Service, Processing and/or Warehouse Licensing : to ensure safe food preparation
• Health Facility Licensing & Certification : to ensure safe rendering of healthcare services
• Fire Department Approval : a process by which the local fire department reviews and approves the installation of a fire alarm system.

Get Business Insurance for Your School

Other business insurance policies that you should consider for your school include:

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
• Commercial auto insurance : If a vehicle is used in your business, this type of insurance will cover if a vehicle is damaged or stolen.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
• Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
• Professional liability insurance : This protects your school against claims of professional negligence.

Buy or Lease the Right School Equipment

The equipment and tools you need will depend on the type of school you start. In general, you will need to buy or lease:

• Classroom furniture and equipment, such as desks, chairs, measuring tools and other items that are necessary for your students
• Lab instruments and equipment, such as microscopes, telescopes, beakers and other supplies that are required to perform experiments in science classes
• Teaching aids for your elementary school teachers
• Office equipment, including computers, printers and other tools that are useful for administration
• Laptop or desktop computers for your students to use in the classroom

Develop Your School Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain students to your school.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your school. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional school website provides potential students with information about the products and/or services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how students and families perceive your school.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help students and others find and interact with your school.

Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your School

Most schools need accounting software and student information systems to manage and track their student enrollment, grades, and schedules.

For accounting, you will need software that can generate invoices and track inventory and expenses. Your software should also allow you to create purchase orders and track vendor discounts. While there are many different software options available, some of the most popular programs for accounting include QuickBooks and Xero.

Most schools require their teachers to use a student information system (SIS). An SIS is a centralized database that manages class rosters, attendance records, grades, and more.

The right SIS will make your job as a school administrator easier, improve the efficiency of record keeping and reporting, and provide valuable insights into your students’ learning experiences.

Open for Learning

How much does it cost to start a school.

In general, the costs for starting a new school can range from $200,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the type of school you are starting.

The cost of starting a school will generally include:

• Inventory and equipment rentals for traditional lab-based classes
• Curriculum design and books
• Marketing expenses
• Licenses and permits
• Business insurance
• Administrative overhead (salaries for your administration team, staff and faculty, computers, software licenses)

How to Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

education business plan example

How to start a school business? Starting an education-related small business in the United States can be a fulfilling journey, providing an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of learners. Whether you’re considering private school business plans, charter school business plans, or university business plans, the foundational steps to launch your venture remain similar.

In-Depth Planning with School Business Plan Templates

Begin by crafting a comprehensive school business plan . Whether you’re aspiring to start a private school, charter school, or university, a well-structured private business plan is crucial. Utilize school business plan templates or business plan examples available online to guide you through essential components such as your mission, target market, financial projections , and marketing strategy. This document serves as your roadmap, helping you stay focused on your educational goals and providing a basis for potential investors or lenders.

Research and Navigate Regulations

Education businesses are subject to various regulations , which may vary based on your location and the type of institution you plan to establish. Private schools, for instance, may have different requirements than charter schools. Be thorough in your research , ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Check for licensing requirements and any certifications needed to operate legally.

Choose the Right Legal Structure

Selecting the appropriate legal structure for your education-related business is crucial. This decision influences your liability, taxation, and operational flexibility. Whether you opt for a sole proprietorship, LLC , or corporation, ensure that it aligns with your business goals and provides the necessary legal protection.

Secure Funding with College Business Plans

Explore funding opportunities with The Drexel Fund to augment your financial planning endeavors. Align your college business plans with their mission and connect with potential investors who share an interest in innovative education initiatives. The Drexel Fund’s network may offer insights into alternative funding sources and grant opportunities specifically tailored to private schools and charter schools. Collaborating with The Drexel Fund not only enhances your chances of securing financial resources but also opens doors to a supportive community committed to advancing educational excellence. 

Develop a Curriculum Aligned with Your Vision

Regardless of whether you’re starting a private school or a university, develop a curriculum that aligns with your mission and meets the needs of your target audience. Consider the latest educational trends, teaching methodologies, and the skills demanded by today’s job market.

Build an Online Presence

In the digital age, a professional online presence is non-negotiable. Develop a user-friendly website that not only showcases your institution but also serves as a hub for information. This applies to private school business plans as much as it does for university business plans. Include details about your programs, faculty, admission requirements, and any unique features that set your educational institution apart.

Implement a Robust Marketing Strategy

Effective marketing is essential to attract students and build a positive reputation. Utilize a mix of online and offline strategies. Ensure that your marketing efforts are aligned with your institution’s values and resonate with your target audience .

Whether you’re focusing on private school business plans or university business plans, adaptability is key to long-term success.

By following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of starting an education-related business in the US, be it a private school, charter school, or university, and contribute positively to the educational landscape.

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A business plan helps you with a new project, product, service, or system when managing a company. Students, teachers, and administrative members can also improve their education for secondary school, primary school, or other preschool kids. Moreover, you can also launch a new course for your private high school and secondary school subjects like music, art, and any lesson. We understand that the content and research take time, so we provide you with school business plan templates .

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5 Steps to Start a School-based Enterprise

School-based enterprises (SBEs) are effective educational tools to prepare students for college and career readiness. For many students, their work in an SBE is their first work experience; for others, it is an opportunity to build management, supervision and leadership skills. An SBE can be an essential part of the curriculum since the enterprise's primary function is to be an educational lab where marketing, finance, hospitality, business management, and entrepreneurial curriculums are put into practice.

Are you ready to get started? Follow these five steps to bring an SBE to your school.

1. CONDUCT MARKET RESEARCH

Market research blends consumer behavior and economic trends to confirm and improve your business idea. It is crucial to understand your consumer base from the outset. Market research lets you reduce risks even while your business is still just a gleam in your eye. Gather demographic information to better understand opportunities and limitations for gaining customers. This could include population data on age, wealth, family, interests, or anything else that is relevant for your business.

Then answer these questions to get a good sense of your market.

• Demand – Is there a desire for your product or service?
• Market Size – How many people would be interested in your offering?
• Economic Indicators – What is the income range and employment rate?
• Location – Where do your customers live and where can your business reach?
• Market Saturation – How many similar options are already available to consumers?
• Pricing – What do potential customers pay for these alternatives?

You will also want to keep up with the latest small business trends. It is important to gain a sense of the specific market share that will impact your profits. You can do market research using existing sources or research yourself and go direct to consumers (students at your school).

Existing sources can save you a lot of time and energy, but the information might not be as specific to your audience as you would like. Use it to answer general and quantifiable questions, like industry trends, demographics, and household incomes. Check online or start with our list of market research resources.

Asking consumers yourself can give you a nuanced understanding of your specific target audience. But, direct research can be time-consuming and expensive. Use it to answer questions about your particular business or customers, like reactions to your logo, improvements you could make to the buying experience, and where customers might go instead of your business.

Here are a few methods you can use to do direct research:

• Questionnaires
• Focus groups
• In-depth interviews

2. CREATE A BUSINESS PLAN

An effective business plan will give you a "sneak preview" of your venture's potential success. A realistic business plan will give you and your students great insight into your school-based enterprise's future success.

A business plan is a written document that clearly defines a business's goals and outlines the methods for achieving them. The business plan describes what a business does, how it will be done, who has to do it, where it will be done, why it is being done and when it has to be done. Most importantly, the business plan will tell you if your ideas make sound fiscal sense.

Below is an outline for a start-up business plan.

• Executive Summary – One-page summary of the business model
• Problem – List the top three problems your product/service is addressing
• Customer Segments – Who are the target customers?
• Unique Value Proposition – What is the single, clear, compelling message stating why your product/service is different and worth buying?
• Solutions – What are the top three features of your product/service? ‍
• Channels – What are the pathways to customers? ‍
• Revenue Streams – What is the revenue model and what are the lifetime values? What is the revenue and the gross margin?
• Cost Structure – What are the customer acquisition costs, distribution costs, human resources costs and other additional costs?
• Key Metrics – What are the key activities that must be measured?
• Competitive Advantage – What about your product/service means that it cannot be easily copied or bought?
• Conclusion – Specific request for financing, summary of key points supporting the financial request
• Bibliography
• Appendix – An appendix is optional. Include exhibits appropriate for the written entry, but not important enough to include in the body. These might consist of sample questionnaires used, letters sent and received, general background data, or minutes of meetings.

Creating a business plan offers numerous and unlimited ventures for use in your classroom. Connect to DECA's guiding principle of applying learning to provide meaningful and realistic educational opportunities. Related activities are virtually endless for the creative teacher as each topic in the business plan offers numerous assignments and will give a chance to apply learning for your students.

3. GET SCHOOL SUPPORT

Your business plan will help you figure out how much money you will need to start your business. If you do not have that amount on hand, you'll need to either raise or borrow the capital. Use the steps below to request support and funds from your school administration.

• Identify the purpose and goals of the school-based enterprise.
• Share your business plan.
• Identify the ideal SBE location.
• Share a breakdown of your start-up costs, including equipment, product and any refurbishing the identified location may need.
• Identify your accounting system and bookkeeping procedures.
• Discuss how revenues will be used.
• Address store security concerns and precautions.
• Identify the organizational structure and employee responsibilities.
• Share employee training plans.
• Share your proposed timeline for opening the SBE.

4. Apply for Licenses

Business activities that are commonly regulated locally include restaurants, retail and vending machines. Some licenses and permits expire after a set period of time. Keep track of when you need to renew them — it is often easier to renew than apply for a new one.

You will have to research your state, county, and city regulations. Industry requirements often vary by state. Visit your state's website to find out which permits and licenses you need. You will need to work closely with your administration to determine policies, procedures and guidelines for your district/school, especially for SBES focusing on food operations.

5. CONNECT TO AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

An advisory committee should provide the school-based enterprise will realistic suggestions as to the store policies, procedures, equipment, and facility needs and usage. Their input on how to provide the best possible learning experience for students would be provided through their expertise and knowledge. The advisory committee for your SBE could also connect to an established school advisory committee for your program.

Congratulations, now you are ready to open your doors!

For more detailed information, this comprehensive guide for managing an SBE covers all facets of starting and managing a school-based enterprise. Whether you are already operating an SBE, or are considering implementing one in your school, this guide covers all the key topics vital to the success of an SBE, such as writing the business plan, holding job interviews, establishing operating policies and procedures, etc. Utilizing this guide will help build a solid framework for opening an SBE learning lab or will help existing SBEs refine their procedures to ensure the continued success of the SBE not only as a business but also a relevant extension of classroom instruction.

Debbie Taylor is DECA's leadership manager. In this role, she implements a comprehensive student leadership program for both the high school and college divisions. She is responsible for the Emerging Leader Series, student recognition programs and leads the DECA Inc. executive officer teams and elections.

Discussion Questions

Classroom connection, career cluster:, instructional area(s):, performance indicators:.

Celebrate DECA SBE Week 2024

This year's #DECASBEWeek takes place from September 30 to October 4. Show off your school-based enterprise by sharing photos or videos corresponding to each daily theme.

4 Tips to Elevate Your Chapter Meetings

As the new school year begins, look at these easy-to-implement tips to take your chapter meetings to the next level. With engaging chapter meetings, you can build your chapter’s recruitment and member involvement on your chapter’s journey to Be the One.

SBE Tips & Tricks for Success

Are you running an SBE this year? Well, whether it is food or retail, this is for you. Keep reading to learn three quick tips on how to stay successful with your SBE this school year.

Activate Your Chapter Early for Exclusive Benefits

Activate your chapter by September 30, 2024 to receive a free digital download of competition resources to help your chapter prepare for competition this year.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

WashU Expert: Small business plans should include ownership transition support

Small and medium-size businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Small businesses, those with 500 employees or less, account for 99.9% of U.S. firms, according to the  Small Business Administration  and just under half (46%) of total private sector employment. Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a plan to expand the small business tax credit from $5,000 to $50,000, with the stated goal of generating 25 million new small-business applications during her first term as president.

Below Peter Boumgarden , the Koch Family Professor of Practice in Family Enterprise at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis and director of the Koch Family Center for Family Enterprise, discusses Harris’ plan and other ways in which the government can support new and existing small businesses.

In your opinion, is Harris’ plan the best way to support small businesses? Are there other policies you think the government should also consider to create an optimal small business environment? 

Harris’ proposal here is interesting. At the core, this piece is building on an awareness that it can be expensive to start a new business; their group estimates $40,000, but the current deduction limit is only $5,000. Coming out of the pandemic, we’ve seen a significant increase in interest in ownership. In 2023 alone, 5.5 million new business applications were filed, making it the strongest year on record and the third consecutive year of historic small business growth. A policy like this is targeted at getting people into the game.   However, we also need to focus on supporting our existing small and medium-size businesses and their employees. A significant percentage of these businesses are owned by baby boomers who are nearing retirement. This impending tidal wave of transitions has been dubbed the “silver tsunami.”   Over the last year, I have been working with my Olin colleagues, experts at the Brookings Institution and other industry leaders to understand the impact this transition will have on owners, employees, communities and the economy. As part of the project, which is funded by the Bellwether Foundation, we’ve also looked at ways in which the federal government can use policy to aid the transition. We’ll share the complete findings at a presentation in Washington, D.C., in October .     Based on our early findings, though, I have been surprised by the level of interest in employee ownership by current owners. We’ve also discovered that employee ownership models — including, but not limited to employee stock ownership (ESOP) models — produce relatively strong labor outcomes compared to other forms of ownership transition. Furthermore, employee ownership offers a path toward keeping and expanding wealth in the community.   With increasing interest in this space, and even large institutional investors like KKR exploring how to fold employee ownership into their investor toolkit, I think a set of policies around making this more manageable for businesses in transitions is an attractive policy lens as well.     Additionally, I could see benefits of exploring whether modifications to capital gains might drive investors on the margin toward longer hold periods and thus more creative, patient approaches to capital. From an investment perspective, there is a benefit when people lean into the patient capital side of investment. This is the case for family ownership, for example. If you are stewarding a business for a long-term, you approach it differently than buying and flipping for the short run.

Harris’ plan addresses how the federal government can help new small businesses. How can state and local governments and private entities help small businesses thrive? 

From a city and state perspective, it is worth looking at the conditions that make starting, or continuing, something more attractive and possible. Certain cities, like Nashville for example, have done a good job increasing the attractiveness of starting a business in their region.   Businesses are also labor dependent. If you don’t have a good workforce, then it is hard to have the quality of service you want to offer to the world. This is a case for investing in education, whether K-12 or long-term incentives.   Starting a business is one thing but keeping it up and running is another challenge. Groups like St. Louis’ Cortex Innovation District or Delmar Divine for nonprofits offer shared services and a community of fellow entrepreneurs, all of which can be helpful for the cross-pollination of good ideas to keep things going. 

Is there a silver lining to this ‘silver tsunami’?

Transition is not easy. I was just chatting with a neighbor who owns a retail establishment in town. Without kids to take over the business or an employee base ready to buy it, he doesn’t know what will come next. But these transitions also provide potential opportunities.   As easy as it is to be nostalgic about the benefits of small businesses — they tend to show up highest on generalized measures of trust, for example — they do not always offer great jobs . And the composition of current business owners is not the most diverse crew. If done right, this transition will provide opportunities for improving job quality and diversifying and expanding the pool of business ownership. This is exciting in many ways! 

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Olin expert: Small business plans should include ownership transition support

• September 17, 2024
• By Sara Savat
• 4 minute read

Small and medium-size businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Small businesses, those with 500 employees or less, account for 99.9% of U.S. firms, according to the Small Business Administration and just under half (46%) of total private sector employment.

Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a plan to expand the small business tax credit from $5,000 to $50,000, with the stated goal of generating 25 million new small-business applications during her first term as president.

Below Peter Boumgarden , the Koch Family Professor of Practice in Family Enterprise at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis and director of the Koch Family Center for Family Enterprise, discusses Harris’ plan and other ways in which the government can support new and existing small businesses.

In your opinion, is Harris’ plan the best way to support small businesses? Are there other policies you think the government should also consider to create an optimal small business environment?

Harris’ proposal here is interesting. At the core, this piece is building on an awareness that it can be expensive to start a new business; their group estimates $40,000, but the current deduction limit is only $5,000. Coming out of the pandemic, we’ve seen a significant increase in interest in ownership. In 2023 alone, 5.5 million new business applications were filed, making it the strongest year on record and the third consecutive year of historic small business growth. A policy like this is targeted at getting people into the game.

However, we also need to focus on supporting our existing small and medium-size businesses and their employees. A significant percentage of these businesses are owned by baby boomers who are nearing retirement. This impending tidal wave of transitions has been dubbed the “silver tsunami.”

Over the last year, I have been working with my Olin colleagues, experts at the Brookings Institution and other industry leaders to understand the impact this transition will have on owners, employees, communities and the economy. As part of the project, which is funded by the Bellwether Foundation, we’ve also looked at ways in which the federal government can use policy to aid the transition. We’ll share the complete findings at a presentation in Washington, D.C., in October.

Based on our early findings, though, I have been surprised by the level of interest in employee ownership by current owners. We’ve also discovered that employee ownership models — including, but not limited to employee stock ownership (ESOP) models — produce relatively strong labor outcomes compared to other forms of ownership transition. Furthermore, employee ownership offers a path toward keeping and expanding wealth in the community.

With increasing interest in this space, and even large institutional investors like KKR exploring how to fold employee ownership into their investor toolkit, I think a set of policies around making this more manageable for businesses in transitions is an attractive policy lens as well.

Additionally, I could see benefits of exploring whether modifications to capital gains might drive investors on the margin toward longer hold periods and thus more creative, patient approaches to capital. From an investment perspective, there is a benefit when people lean into the patient capital side of investment. This is the case for family ownership, for example. If you are stewarding a business for a long-term, you approach it differently than buying and flipping for the short run.

Harris’ plan addresses how the federal government can help new small businesses. How can state and local governments and private entities help small businesses thrive?

From a city and state perspective, it is worth looking at the conditions that make starting, or continuing, something more attractive and possible. Certain cities, like Nashville for example, have done a good job increasing the attractiveness of starting a business in their region.

Businesses are also labor dependent. If you don’t have a good workforce, then it is hard to have the quality of service you want to offer to the world. This is a case for investing in education, whether K-12 or long-term incentives.

Starting a business is one thing but keeping it up and running is another challenge. Groups like St. Louis’ Cortex Innovation District or Delmar Divine for nonprofits offer shared services and a community of fellow entrepreneurs, all of which can be helpful for the cross-pollination of good ideas to keep things going.

Is there a silver lining to this ‘silver tsunami’?

Transition is not easy. I was just chatting with a neighbor who owns a retail establishment in town. Without kids to take over the business or an employee base ready to buy it, he doesn’t know what will come next. But these transitions also provide potential opportunities.

As easy as it is to be nostalgic about the benefits of small businesses — they tend to show up highest on generalized measures of trust, for example — they do not always offer great jobs . And the composition of current business owners is not the most diverse crew. If done right, this transition will provide opportunities for improving job quality and diversifying and expanding the pool of business ownership. This is exciting in many ways!

About the Author

As a senior news director for social sciences, I write about political science, religion (and their intersection), sociology, education, anthropology, philosophy and linguistics. I have a passion for storytelling and enjoy working with our world-renowned faculty and members of the media to bring research to life for the public. Prior to joining the Public Affairs team, I worked in public relations at SSM Health and covered academic medicine at Saint Louis University. I have a master’s degree in communication from SLU. Outside of work, I am most likely to be found at a dance studio or cheering from the sidelines of a soccer field. My family and I also love traveling, camping and visiting national parks.

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Financial aid resources for current students

Our support does not end when you begin your degree at Carey.

We understand that managing educational expenses can be challenging, and Carey Business School is dedicated to supporting current students through every step of their academic journey, including navigating the financial aid process. As a current student, we understand that you may be looking for resources and answers to topics such as policies, payment plans, contact information, and more. To ensure you have the correct support, Carey Business School partners directly with the Johns Hopkins Office of Student Enrollment and Account Management, or SEAM, to help students navigate the financial aid, billing, and tuition payment processes for Carey Business School.

Students will work directly with SEAM to receive information about financial aid. SEAM serves as a comprehensive resource for information on financial aid, student accounts, and registration, centralizing student services for a more holistic support experience. SEAM works with students Monday – Friday over the phone, virtually, or in-person to assist you with any questions or concerns you have.

You can contact SEAM in multiple ways:

·    Request support through SEAM’s online form . ·    Call +1 877-419-5131 to speak directly with a team member. ·    Schedule a virtual appointment . ·    Visit one of three in-person locations at the Homewood, East Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. campuses.

Scholarships

Carey provides scholarships to students based on their strong academic record, along with professional and personal achievements, and potential to contribute to the Carey community. In addition to the scholarship opportunities available at the time of admission to your program, current Carey MBA and Master of Science students can apply for endowed scholarships . Carey offers 17 endowed scholarships each year to current students in good academic standing. Returning students who meet the academic criteria may receive funding first, as these scholarships are primarily merit-based.

Many private sector organizations offer scholarships to students as a part of their philanthropic activities. As a current student, you may want to investigate these opportunities each year and contact clubs or organizations to determine whether they offer scholarship opportunities. To learn more information, please visit Carey’s Private Scholarships webpage .

Carey also compiles a list of external funding opportunities on our scholarship e-bulletin board . Private agencies and organizations frequently reach out to Carey Business School regarding the need-based and merit scholarships, grants, and fellowships they offer. If you receive an outside scholarship, please submit your third-party payment documents to ensure timely recording of your accomplishment.

Financial aid process

Carey students receiving need-based aid or federal student loans must reapply each year by filing a renewal FAFSA . Fully admitted students are eligible to receive up to $20,500 annually in federal loans. Please refer to Carey’s financial aid process for detailed information on how to submit your FAFSA.

Johns Hopkins participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. As a student, you have rights and responsibilities when you borrow a federal student loan. Please refer to the Direct Loan Process for more information.

After submitting your FAFSA, your file will be reviewed within 5-10 business days. Some students may be selected for verification, requiring additional documentation such as IRS tax transcripts and W-2 forms. Once all documents are submitted and reviewed, corrections are made if needed, and an updated Student Aid Report is provided. You will receive an offer notice once all required documents are received and reviewed. Learn more about next steps .

We highly recommend you apply by the priority FAFSA filing deadline (below) and respond in a timely manner. This will ensure your financial aid is ready for the start of the semester and will be paid to your student account by the time you begin classes. Learn more about paying your bill with financial aid .

Deadlines and timelines

The priority filing date to apply for financial aid each year is: •    Fall semester: April 15 for part-time programs and March 15 for full-time programs. •    Spring semester: November 1.

Students can apply for financial aid at any time during the academic year, prior to the end of classes. However, the application process can take time, and only those who apply by the priority filing date can be assured that their financial aid awards will be ready for the start of classes. Maryland residents who wish to be considered for Maryland state scholarships must complete their FAFSA prior to March 1.

In order to qualify for financial aid, students must be fully and unconditionally accepted in a degree or approved certificate program, enrolled half-time or more each semester, and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Learn more about Carey’s financial policies

Satisfactory academic progress

It is important for students to understand satisfactory academic progress in order to maintain their financial aid. Federal regulations require institutions to use three benchmarks to determine satisfactory academic progress. Students must maintain minimum cumulative completion rate and complete a degree or certificate within a maximum timeframe. The general standard max time frame is that the degree has to be completed in five years. Please visit Carey’s website to learn more about satisfactory academic progress .

Title IV refers to the federal financial aid funds. Federal financial aid eligibility must be recalculated for students who withdraw, drop out, who are dismissed, drop to less than half time status, or take a leave of absence prior to completing 60% of a payment period or term. Learn more about Title IV Policy .

Payment plans and methods

Carey offers students two payment plan options to pay their tuition and fees. Please refer to Payment Schedule A and  Payment Schedule B  for the current options. Any questions about payment plans should be directed to SEAM  .

Carey allows various payment methods for students to pay for their education including electronic checks, checks by mail, sponsor or employer contract, Johns Hopkins University tuition assistance, wire transfers, or Nelnet Campus Commerce monthly payment plans. 

For more information about payment plans and methods, please visit SEAM’s Payment Methods webpage.

Reach out to Carey’s Student Affairs team at [email protected] . Our team will put you in contact with SEAM on an as-needed basis. 

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MoSCoW Prioritization

What is moscow prioritization.

MoSCoW prioritization, also known as the MoSCoW method or MoSCoW analysis, is a popular prioritization technique for managing requirements. 

  The acronym MoSCoW represents four categories of initiatives: must-have, should-have, could-have, and won’t-have, or will not have right now. Some companies also use the “W” in MoSCoW to mean “wish.”

What is the History of the MoSCoW Method?

Software development expert Dai Clegg created the MoSCoW method while working at Oracle. He designed the framework to help his team prioritize tasks during development work on product releases.

You can find a detailed account of using MoSCoW prioritization in the Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM) handbook . But because MoSCoW can prioritize tasks within any time-boxed project, teams have adapted the method for a broad range of uses.

How Does MoSCoW Prioritization Work?

Before running a MoSCoW analysis, a few things need to happen. First, key stakeholders and the product team need to get aligned on objectives and prioritization factors. Then, all participants must agree on which initiatives to prioritize.

At this point, your team should also discuss how they will settle any disagreements in prioritization. If you can establish how to resolve disputes before they come up, you can help prevent those disagreements from holding up progress.

Finally, you’ll also want to reach a consensus on what percentage of resources you’d like to allocate to each category.

With the groundwork complete, you may begin determining which category is most appropriate for each initiative. But, first, let’s further break down each category in the MoSCoW method.

Start prioritizing your roadmap

Moscow prioritization categories.

1. Must-have initiatives

As the name suggests, this category consists of initiatives that are “musts” for your team. They represent non-negotiable needs for the project, product, or release in question. For example, if you’re releasing a healthcare application, a must-have initiative may be security functionalities that help maintain compliance.

The “must-have” category requires the team to complete a mandatory task. If you’re unsure about whether something belongs in this category, ask yourself the following.

If the product won’t work without an initiative, or the release becomes useless without it, the initiative is most likely a “must-have.”

2. Should-have initiatives

Should-have initiatives are just a step below must-haves. They are essential to the product, project, or release, but they are not vital. If left out, the product or project still functions. However, the initiatives may add significant value.

“Should-have” initiatives are different from “must-have” initiatives in that they can get scheduled for a future release without impacting the current one. For example, performance improvements, minor bug fixes, or new functionality may be “should-have” initiatives. Without them, the product still works.

3. Could-have initiatives

Another way of describing “could-have” initiatives is nice-to-haves. “Could-have” initiatives are not necessary to the core function of the product. However, compared with “should-have” initiatives, they have a much smaller impact on the outcome if left out.

So, initiatives placed in the “could-have” category are often the first to be deprioritized if a project in the “should-have” or “must-have” category ends up larger than expected.

4. Will not have (this time)

One benefit of the MoSCoW method is that it places several initiatives in the “will-not-have” category. The category can manage expectations about what the team will not include in a specific release (or another timeframe you’re prioritizing).

Placing initiatives in the “will-not-have” category is one way to help prevent scope creep . If initiatives are in this category, the team knows they are not a priority for this specific time frame. 

Some initiatives in the “will-not-have” group will be prioritized in the future, while others are not likely to happen. Some teams decide to differentiate between those by creating a subcategory within this group.

How Can Development Teams Use MoSCoW?

  Although Dai Clegg developed the approach to help prioritize tasks around his team’s limited time, the MoSCoW method also works when a development team faces limitations other than time. For example: 

Prioritize based on budgetary constraints.

What if a development team’s limiting factor is not a deadline but a tight budget imposed by the company? Working with the product managers, the team can use MoSCoW first to decide on the initiatives that represent must-haves and the should-haves. Then, using the development department’s budget as the guide, the team can figure out which items they can complete. 

Prioritize based on the team’s skillsets.

A cross-functional product team might also find itself constrained by the experience and expertise of its developers. If the product roadmap calls for functionality the team does not have the skills to build, this limiting factor will play into scoring those items in their MoSCoW analysis.

Prioritize based on competing needs at the company.

Cross-functional teams can also find themselves constrained by other company priorities. The team wants to make progress on a new product release, but the executive staff has created tight deadlines for further releases in the same timeframe. In this case, the team can use MoSCoW to determine which aspects of their desired release represent must-haves and temporarily backlog everything else.

What Are the Drawbacks of MoSCoW Prioritization?

  Although many product and development teams have prioritized MoSCoW, the approach has potential pitfalls. Here are a few examples.

1. An inconsistent scoring process can lead to tasks placed in the wrong categories.

  One common criticism against MoSCoW is that it does not include an objective methodology for ranking initiatives against each other. Your team will need to bring this methodology to your analysis. The MoSCoW approach works only to ensure that your team applies a consistent scoring system for all initiatives.

Pro tip: One proven method is weighted scoring, where your team measures each initiative on your backlog against a standard set of cost and benefit criteria. You can use the weighted scoring approach in ProductPlan’s roadmap app .

2. Not including all relevant stakeholders can lead to items placed in the wrong categories.

To know which of your team’s initiatives represent must-haves for your product and which are merely should-haves, you will need as much context as possible.

For example, you might need someone from your sales team to let you know how important (or unimportant) prospective buyers view a proposed new feature.

One pitfall of the MoSCoW method is that you could make poor decisions about where to slot each initiative unless your team receives input from all relevant stakeholders. 

3. Team bias for (or against) initiatives can undermine MoSCoW’s effectiveness.

Because MoSCoW does not include an objective scoring method, your team members can fall victim to their own opinions about certain initiatives. 

One risk of using MoSCoW prioritization is that a team can mistakenly think MoSCoW itself represents an objective way of measuring the items on their list. They discuss an initiative, agree that it is a “should have,” and move on to the next.

But your team will also need an objective and consistent framework for ranking all initiatives. That is the only way to minimize your team’s biases in favor of items or against them.

When Do You Use the MoSCoW Method for Prioritization?

MoSCoW prioritization is effective for teams that want to include representatives from the whole organization in their process. You can capture a broader perspective by involving participants from various functional departments.

Another reason you may want to use MoSCoW prioritization is it allows your team to determine how much effort goes into each category. Therefore, you can ensure you’re delivering a good variety of initiatives in each release.

What Are Best Practices for Using MoSCoW Prioritization?

If you’re considering giving MoSCoW prioritization a try, here are a few steps to keep in mind. Incorporating these into your process will help your team gain more value from the MoSCoW method.

1. Choose an objective ranking or scoring system.

Remember, MoSCoW helps your team group items into the appropriate buckets—from must-have items down to your longer-term wish list. But MoSCoW itself doesn’t help you determine which item belongs in which category.

You will need a separate ranking methodology. You can choose from many, such as:

• Weighted scoring
• Value vs. complexity
• Buy-a-feature
• Opportunity scoring

For help finding the best scoring methodology for your team, check out ProductPlan’s article: 7 strategies to choose the best features for your product .

2. Seek input from all key stakeholders.

To make sure you’re placing each initiative into the right bucket—must-have, should-have, could-have, or won’t-have—your team needs context. 

At the beginning of your MoSCoW method, your team should consider which stakeholders can provide valuable context and insights. Sales? Customer success? The executive staff? Product managers in another area of your business? Include them in your initiative scoring process if you think they can help you see opportunities or threats your team might miss. 

3. Share your MoSCoW process across your organization.

MoSCoW gives your team a tangible way to show your organization prioritizing initiatives for your products or projects. 

The method can help you build company-wide consensus for your work, or at least help you show stakeholders why you made the decisions you did.

Communicating your team’s prioritization strategy also helps you set expectations across the business. When they see your methodology for choosing one initiative over another, stakeholders in other departments will understand that your team has thought through and weighed all decisions you’ve made. 

If any stakeholders have an issue with one of your decisions, they will understand that they can’t simply complain—they’ll need to present you with evidence to alter your course of action.  

Related Terms

2×2 prioritization matrix / Eisenhower matrix / DACI decision-making framework / ICE scoring model / RICE scoring model

Prioritizing your roadmap using our guide

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Private School Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Education Sector » Schooling

Are you about starting a private school (nursery, primary or high school)? If YES, here’s a complete sample private school business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE.

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a private school. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample private school marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for private schools. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

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One of the best things that can happen to anyone is to have a private school. This is one very lucrative business that will continue to rake in money for its owners. As an aspiring entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business, you should ensure that whatever business you intend to start, you make sure that it is located in an appropriate place.

For example; if you want to start a private school, it will be a wrong business judgment if you decide to site the school close to an industrial area or close to a market. Aspiring entrepreneurs therefore are urged as a matter of necessity to ensure that they carry out a thorough market research and feasibility study of the industry they intend to go into before investing their hard earned money and time.

It is known fact that the demand for private schools is driven by the fact that most public cum government owned schools cannot accommodate every students or potential students in a given geographical location. In some cases, students with special needs cannot cope in public schools hence the need for private schools.

If you think starting a private school business sounds like what you want to do. Then you may want to use the business plan below as a guide.

A Sample Private School Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Private schools which is also known in the united states as independent schools, non-governmental, or non – state schools are schools that are not administered by either the local, state or the federal governments; hence, they have the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students tuition fees, rather than relying on mandatory taxation through public (government) funding.

Some private schools have structure in place that offer scholarships to some students, which makes the cost cheaper, depending on a talent such as sport scholarship, art scholarship, academic scholarship the student may be brining to the private school, financial need, or tax credit scholarships that might be available.

The Private Schools industry comprises of primary that is kindergarten through sixth grade and secondary that is seventh through 12th grade) educational institutions that are predominantly funded through enrollment and tuition fees from students and of course from other private sources.

Recent reports released by IBISWORLD shows that the revenue for the Private Schools industry is expected to increase, as the economy continues to recover. The indicated that during the five years to 2016, enrollment decreased, which was a trend attributable to rising costs and competition from charter schools.

However, going forward, in the next five years, household income is anticipated to increase, making it easier for families to afford private-school tuition. Additionally, enrollment declines will lesson, resulting in more stable demand for private schools

In the United States of America and of course in most countries of the world, The Private Schools industry is indeed a large and thriving industry. Statistics has it that The Private Schools industry in the United States of America, is worth $52 billion, with an estimated growth rate of 0.1 percent.

There are about 25,742 registered and licensed (accredited) Private schools scattered all around the United States of America and they are responsible for employing about 644,320 people.

Aside from Catholic schools, which is the second largest sector after government schools, with around 21 percent of secondary enrollments, no other private school can boast of dominating the market; every player in the industry can comfortably compete in the industry.

It is important to state that the barriers to entry into the Private Schools industry are high. As a matter of fact, the private school industry is an industry in which it is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves. So also, the reputation of the private school is of utmost importance, as private schools that have a good history of getting students into prestigious colleges often have the best reputations hence good enrollments.

With this, it is obvious that a new entrant into the private school industry cannot offer this. Reputation indeed is imperative to parents’ decisions when shopping for private school for their wards. This is so because the quality of education cannot be assessed until well after it is complete.

As a major marketing tool, schools need to show parents a track record of admission to elite colleges and universities. Even though this might seem like a saturated industry, the industry is still pretty much open for aspiring school proprietors and proprietress to still come in and compete.

As a matter of fact, if you conduct your research and feasibility studies very well before starting your own private school couple with impressive profile of your faculty members, you are likely going to struggle less to make headway in the industry.

2. Executive Summary

Rolland Gyros International Private School is an international private school that will be located in a well – populated residential estate in Ashville – North Carolina, United States of America.

We are a standard private school that is composed of primary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and secondary (seventh through 12th grade) educational institution that will be predominantly funded through tuition fees and levies from students and of course from other private sources.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is a client-focused and result driven private school that provides broad-based learning approaches and experience at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pockets of our clients (students and parents alike).

We will offer standard and professional teaching services in a highly secured and conducive learning environment to all our students that is primary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and secondary (seventh through 12th grade). We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass all our students’ expectations and educational goals whenever they enroll in our tutorial college.

At Rolland Gyros International Private School, our students’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional educationist cum teachers in various subjects who are well experienced and passionate in imparting knowledge to students at various learning ladder.

Rolland Gyros International Private School will at all time demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as an educational organization, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our students’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our students.

We have plans to offer learning platforms to people with both learning disability and physical disability (especially the blind, the dumb and the deaf).

Our overall business goal is to position our private school to become the leading tutorial brand in the educational industry in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina, and also to be amongst the top 30 private schools in the United States of America within the first 12 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Ashville is the right place to launch our private school.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is founded by Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros and family. She is an educationist per excellence and she has won many awards in the education sector in the United States.

Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros has both the academic qualifications and experience to run a private school that can favorably compete with other leading private schools not only in Ashville – North Carolina, but also throughout the United States and Canada.

3. Our Products and Services

Rolland Gyros International Private School is going to offer varieties of educational services within the scope of the education board in the United States of America.

Our intention of starting our private school is to soundly educate people in various subjects and of course to make profits from the education cum private schools industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal. Our service offerings are listed below;

• Teaching basic literacy and numeracy
• Establishing foundations in science, mathematics, geography, history and other social sciences
• Constantly working hard to meet regulatory accreditation standards
• Administering private funding efforts
• Providing access to extracurricular activities
• Retailing of Educational Books and Materials

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a highly competitive private school that will become the number one choice for both parents and students in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina.
• Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to provide professional and conducive learning environment to students at different level of learning.
• Our overall business goal is to position Rolland Gyros International Private School to become the leading private school brand in the educational cum private school industry in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina, and also to be amongst the top 30 private schools in the United States of America within the first 12 years of operations.

Our Business Structure

It is a known fact that, the success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available roles in the organization. Rolland Gyros International Private School will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our private school.

We will ensure that we hire competent hands (teaching and non – teaching staff members) to help us build the private school of our dream.

The fact that we want to become one of the leading private school brand in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.

We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build Rolland Gyros International Private School;

• Head of The Private School(School Proprietress)

School Administrator

Tutors for Various Subjects – Secondary (seventh through 12th grade)

Tutors for Various Subjects – Primary (kindergarten through sixth grade)

• Accountant / Bursar
• Client Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Head of the Tutorial College / School Coordinator:

• Responsible for providing direction for the college
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for handling high profile clients and deals
• Responsible for fixing fees and signing business deals (partnership)
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the tutorial college
• Coordinates all arms of the tutorial school (tutorial center, adult education, home tutors and special education)
• Evaluates the success of the tutorial college
• Reports to the board of the tutorial college
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the tutorial school
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for tutors (teachers)
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (parents and member of the school board) to review the effectiveness of the schools’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of the private school.
• Effectively teach subject / subjects as assigned by the school administrator
• Accesses the progress of students under their care
• Ensures that students abide by the rules and regulations of the private school
• Contributes his / her quota towards growing the private school
• Receives complaints from parents and channel it to the appropriate quarters
• Handle any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.
• Ensure that students abide by the rules and regulations of the school administrator
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.

Marketing Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new students, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the school

School Bursar (Accountant)

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Serves as internal auditor for Rolland Gyros International Private School

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes / receive parents and students by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with parents and students (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the parents and students with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with parents and students on the phone, uses every opportunity to build parent’s interest in the schools’ products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to parents and students when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Distribute mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the School Administrator.
• Responsible for cleaning the school facility at all times
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Cleans both the interior and exterior of the schools facility
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator
• Ensures that the school facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the building on a 24 hours basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the school administrator

6. SWOT Analysis

Rolland Gyros International Private School engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring with bias in the education sector to assist us in building a well – structured private school that can favorably compete in the highly competitive education cum private schools industry in the United States.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Rolland Gyros International Private School. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Rolland Gyros International Private School;

As a private school, our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team with excellent qualifications and experience in the educational sector. We are well positioned in a community with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of students from the first day we open our doors and welcome students for enrollment.

As a new private school in Ashville – North Carolina, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance via reputation in the already saturated education cum private schools industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the education cum private schools industry is massive considering the number of parents who would want their wards to perform excellently well in their education and go ahead to be admitted in Ivy league colleges.

As a standard and international private school, Rolland Gyros International Private School is ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes her way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the private school.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a private school operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect private schools, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the private school line of business is that the key to attracting students is the educational performance and the pass rate of their students in national exams.

Any private school that has good records will always thrive. The demand for private schools is driven by the fact that most public cum government owned schools cannot accommodate every students or potential students in a given geographical location.

In some cases, students with special needs cannot cope in public schools hence the need for private schools. The economic downturn hasn’t really affected this industry, especially in countries that believe in the efficacy of education.

The areas you would need to spend heavily on is in ensuring that your school is up to standard, your advertisements, and on insurance policy cover. Lastly, it is trendier to find private schools engaging in extra – curricular activities and as a matter of fact, a private school that thrives in sports can leverage on that to attract students who are sports inclined.

8. Our Target Market

As a standard and international private school, Rolland Gyros International Private School is going to offer varieties of educational services within the scope of the education board in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our private school is to soundly educate people in various subjects and of course to make profits from the education cum private schools industry

Our target market as a private school cuts across people (students) of different class and people from different culture background whether African, White, Caucasian, Latinos, Indians, and Asians. We are coming into the education cum private schools industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the students at different learning stages residing in and around Ashville – North Carolina.

Our competitive advantage

Indeed the private schools industry is highly competitive and the entry barriers are high. As a matter of fact, the private school industry is an industry in which it is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves. So also, the reputation of the private school is of utmost importance, as private schools that have a good history of getting students into prestigious colleges often have the best reputations hence good enrollments.

As a major marketing tool, schools need to show parents a track record of admission to elite colleges and universities. We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the education cum private schools industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of both students and parents alike.

Rolland Gyros International Private School might be a new entrant into the education cum private schools industry in the United States of America, but the management staffs and owners of the private school are considered gurus. They are people who are core professionals, licensed and highly qualified educationist / teachers at various levels of learning in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees (teaching and non – teaching staff members) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups private school in the United States) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Rolland Gyros International Private School is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the education cum private schools industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract students on a regular basis. Rolland Gyros International Private School will generate income by offering the following tutorial services;

• Teaching High school students various subjects in our private school

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be parents and students who would need the services of private schools to be able to achieve their educational goals and as such the services of private schools will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Ashville – North Carolina and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the private school and our student base.

We have been able to critically examine the private schools cum education market in the United States of America and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast.

The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Ashville – North Carolina. Below is the sales projection for Rolland Gyros International Private School, it is based on the location of our tutorial center and of course the wide range of tutorial services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. So, there won’t be any major competitor (private school) offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there is stiffer competition amongst private schools in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing concerns. Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the private school.

We will also ensure that our students’ excellent results from national exams and other exams speaks for us in the marketplace; we want to build a standard and first – class private school that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our private school to become one of the top 30 private schools in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Ashville – North Carolina but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our private school by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to schools, parents / household and key stake holders in Ashville – North Carolina.
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in schools, libraries and even student organizations.
• Creating a website, allows parents to be able to look you up, and also allows you to post general study tips, giving you an added advantage.
• Use friends and family to spread word about our private school
• Introduce Rolland Gyros International Private School to learning specialists, school coaches, school administrators, teachers, guidance counselors especially as they are with students everyday
• Post information about Rolland Gyros International Private School on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Using tutorial referral networks such as agencies that will help match students with Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Joining relevant association or body that will enable you network and meet others in same industry.
• Advertising online by using an advertising platform such as Google Adwords, that will allow us place text advertisements alongside on websites with related contents, and along results from search engines.
• Advertise our private school in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• Attend relevant educational expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are aware of the potency of a good publicity strategy hence we have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both parents and students in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our private school. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Rolland Gyros International Private School;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Ashville – North Carolina.
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods in and around Ashville – North Carolina
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around Ashville – North Carolina
• Passing general information via our school’s social media handles like twitter, Facebook, Google hangouts etc.
• Ensure that all our teaching and non – teaching staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Private schools in the United States of America and of course in all the parts of the world charge students per tem / per session and students have the options of either paying their tuitions before resumption or during the school session.

Private schools generally charge students based on loads of factors, locations, services offerings and extra – curricular activities et al At Rolland Gyros International Private School we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our students by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.

In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our students at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some students that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such students’ needs.

• Payment Options

At Rolland Gyros International Private School, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up a private school business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake.

If you intend to go big by acquiring a large facility, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are taken care of, and that your private school’s environment is conducive enough for the students to learn.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a private school business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to start Rolland Gyros International Private School in the United of America;

• Business incorporation fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring a large facility that will accommodate the number of block of closes, playing field, staff offices and parking lots et al (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $350,000.
• Equipping the classes and office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $50,000
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• The budget for the payment of salaries for the first three months of operations: $120,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $15,000

Going by the market survey and feasibility studies conducted, we came to the conclusion that we will need an average of $750,000 to start a small scale but standard private school in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Rolland Gyros International Private School

Rolland Gyros International Private School is a family business that will be owned and managed by Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros and her immediate family.

They are the sole financial of the private school which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the private school to just three major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $250,000 (Personal savings $200,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

It is a known fact that the future of any business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and of course the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Rolland Gyros International Private School is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers (students and parents alike) over is to ensure that we offer nothing less than the best, to offer quality education to all our students so much so that they can favorably compete with students all over the United States and gain admission to Ivy League colleges.

Rolland Gyros International Private School will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.